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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's elusive trophy. They crave it deeply. Yet, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their control of the ball, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the squad which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out costly as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage now a league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams met in last season's group stage, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

However, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The manager looked to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two players were replaced, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each passed without a goal, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this season yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess chances to bounce back in future matches before facing familiar foes and title winners.