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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' elusive trophy. They crave it intensely. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to conquer.

In spite of their dominance of the ball, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager showcased her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, with only four starters from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out costly as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've matured a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain after her first strike.

Yet, Twente had the top chance in the first period. A player had room following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she squared to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the passer having been offside.

The manager looked to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters were replaced, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each passed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, but they have opportunities to bounce back in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.