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The Champions League remains the Blues' elusive prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their title hopes took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to conquer.

Despite their control in possession, it was who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, but for the squad which has consistently won it all, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase replaced by league phase similar to the male competition.

These two teams met during the previous group stage, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who sent wave after wave at the home team.

The home side celebrate their captain after her first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player found space after a neat one-two 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 rotations taking a toll, particularly in attack. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing found the net, turning in a low cross, but the flag went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players were replaced, one due to a concussion, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead just before the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every passed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot 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 familiar foes and former champions.