🔗 Share this article

Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts not at all the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

Despite their control of the ball, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, yet for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey under a new format – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity was evident, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

The home side celebrate their captain following the first strike.

However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. A player had room after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the rotations taking a toll, especially in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the provider having been offside.

The coach looked to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters were replaced, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every passed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season yet they've secured results and away from home they continued that pattern. A challenge on a player earned the away side a penalty, although they might have had one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to make it even.

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