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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they hope to dominate.

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

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the squad that has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams met in last season's group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

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

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, but instead of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the provider having been offside.

The coach looked to her bench to try to change the game shortly later. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. After regaining possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and with every passed without a goal, it seemed that Twente would be punished. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this season yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A foul on a player earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting familiar foes and former champions.