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The Champions League remains the Blues' elusive prize. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the ideal start in a competition they hope to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the squad which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four players from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams met during the previous opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain following the first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in attack. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the passer having been offside.

The manager looked to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two players were replaced, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and with every passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. However, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this term but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A foul on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A winner eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches before facing familiar foes and title winners.