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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it deeply. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente far from the perfect beginning to a tournament 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 Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the team which has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach showcased her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four players from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase replaced by league phase similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off in last season's group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate their captain after her opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player had room after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the changes taking a toll, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The coach looked to the substitutes in an attempt to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two starters made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every passed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting displays this season but they have earned points and away from home they extended that pattern. A foul on a player gave the visitors a penalty, although they might have had one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

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