🔗 Share this article

The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's elusive trophy. They desire it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team that has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage now a league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. A player had room following a smart exchange with a teammate, but instead of shooting she passed to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, especially in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a low cross, but the flag went up, the provider having been offside.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A winner escaped them, but they have opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and title winners.