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The Champions League remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

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

Home Success But European Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, but for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase replaced by league phase similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams met in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I hope we've matured a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

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

However, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. Leonie Vliek had room after a neat one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, especially in attack. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the provider having been offside.

The manager turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two starters made way, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. After regaining possession in attack, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and with every missed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting displays this term but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on a player earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have had one sooner when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back in future matches before facing old rivals and former champions.