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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, but for the squad which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring a heavy combined loss last season, have stung on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters 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 replaced by league phase similar to the male competition.

These two teams faced off in last season's group stage, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel following the first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the rotations having an impact, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the provider deemed in an illegal position.

The manager turned to her bench in an attempt to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players were replaced, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this term but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches before facing familiar foes and title winners.