🔗 Share this article

Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' elusive prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the squad that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager showcased her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase now a league phase similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that maturity 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.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. A player had room following a smart one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, particularly in the final third. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead just before the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and with every passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea continued pressing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this term yet they've secured results and away from home they continued that trend. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, but they have chances to bounce back in future matches before facing old rivals and former champions.