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Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' elusive trophy. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to conquer.

Despite their dominance of the ball, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the squad which has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded 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 loss last season, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by league phase similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've grown somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate their captain following the first strike.

However, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she passed for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the rotations taking a toll, particularly in attack. A forward should have done better from a cutback but fired over from close range in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to her bench in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

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

Their opportunities were scarce and with every missed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season yet they've earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A winner eluded them, but they have opportunities to bounce back in future matches before facing familiar foes and title winners.