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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it intensely. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to dominate.

In spite of their dominance of the ball, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, but for the squad that has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased the team's strength for the trip to Enschede, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved costly as they started their European journey under a new format – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off during the previous opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've grown somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain after her opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance of the half. A player found space after a neat one-two with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed for the team's leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes taking a toll, especially in the final third. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the provider having been offside.

The manager turned to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players were replaced, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to take the lead just before the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross found a player in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each passed without a goal, it felt like the home side would be punished. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this term yet they've earned points and away from home they extended that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

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