🔗 Share this article

Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it intensely. However, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to conquer.

Despite their control of the ball, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, but for the squad that has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've grown somewhat and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

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

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, 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 provider having been offside.

The coach turned to her bench in an attempt to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players were replaced, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player in the box but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every passed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling displays this term but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

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