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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to conquer.

Despite their control of the ball, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success 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 intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the last game in the lineup, but it proved costly as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

At their stadium that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. A player had room after a neat one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. A forward should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from close range in their best effort, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

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

The manager turned to the substitutes to try to change the game shortly later. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and with every missed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling displays this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory escaped them, but they have opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.