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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the ideal start in a competition they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, but for the team that has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss last season, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey under a new format – the initial phase replaced by league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

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

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. Leonie Vliek had room following a smart one-two with a teammate, but instead of shooting she passed for the team's leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the rotations having an impact, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The manager turned to her bench to try to change the game shortly later. Two players made way, including one with a head injury, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting performances this term but they have earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have earned one sooner when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and former champions.