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Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it deeply. Yet, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to dominate.

Despite their dominance of the ball, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the squad which has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they began their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off in last season's group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate their captain after her first strike.

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player had room after a neat one-two with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two starters made way, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and as each missed without scoring, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting displays this term but they have secured results and away from home they extended that trend. A foul on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one sooner when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to recover in future matches ahead of meeting old rivals and title winners.