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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts far from the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

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

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the squad that has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've grown somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who sent repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side celebrate their captain following the opening goal.

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

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players were replaced, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on a player earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have had one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory escaped them, but they have opportunities to bounce back in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.