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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive trophy. They crave it deeply. Yet, their credentials suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts far from the ideal start to a tournament they hope to dominate.

In spite of their dominance in possession, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have stung each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've grown a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who launched wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

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

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but fired over from close range in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Drama

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a low cross, but the flag went up, the provider deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a head injury, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and as each passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting displays this season yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A challenge 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 winner escaped them, but they have chances to recover in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.