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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' elusive trophy. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they hope to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the team which has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage now a league phase akin to the male competition.

The two sides faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they'd look 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

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who sent wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate their captain after her opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in the final third. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, but the flag was raised, the passer having been offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every missed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this season but they have earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, but they have opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.