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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' elusive trophy. They desire it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start to a tournament they hope to dominate.

In spite of their control in possession, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team that has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed the team's strength for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved costly as they started their European journey in a new era – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams met in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain after her first strike.

However, Twente had the top chance in the first period. A player found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes 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 made key saves.

After the Break Action

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, but the flag was raised, the provider having been offside.

The manager turned to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without scoring, it seemed like the home side would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A winner eluded them, but they have chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and former champions.