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Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' elusive trophy. They desire it intensely. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to dominate.

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

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team which has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can fix our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player had room after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The manager looked to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the 60-minute point. Having won possession in attack, a driven pass found a player in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without a goal, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this term but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.