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Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it intensely. However, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they hope to dominate.

In spite of their control of the ball, it was that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the team which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined defeat last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved costly as they began their European journey under a new format – the group stage now a league phase similar to the male competition.

These two teams met during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've grown a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or engage individually, they proved a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. A player had room following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed 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 attack. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but blasted high from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer having been offside.

The coach looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two starters made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in attack, a low cross found a player in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have earned one sooner when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.