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Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's elusive trophy. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials suffered in the Netherlands, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

In spite of their dominance of the ball, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the squad that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the last game on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase now a league phase similar to the male competition.

The two sides faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've matured a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth showed, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

The home side celebrate their captain following the first strike.

However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she squared to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the provider deemed offside.

The manager looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead just before the hour mark. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have had one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches ahead of meeting old rivals and title winners.