🔗 Share this article

Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the ideal start to a tournament they aim to dominate.

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

Home Success But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, but for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues handing out a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate their captain following the opening goal.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. A player found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in attack. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, but the flag went up, the provider having been offside.

The coach looked to her bench in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, one due to a concussion, for new energy and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and as each passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season yet they've earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have had one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.