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The Champions League remains the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. Yet, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined defeat last season, have stung on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams met in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've grown a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

Yet, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player had room after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by a defender.

There was energy yet missing cohesion, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a low cross, but the flag was raised, the provider deemed in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in attack, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

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