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Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch 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 dominate.

In spite of their dominance in possession, it was 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 team that has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss last season, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage replaced by league phase akin to the men's tournament.

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

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

The home side gather around their captain after her first strike.

However, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. A player found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy but a lack of cohesion, the changes taking a toll, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from close range in a key moment, 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, yet the assistant was raised, the passer deemed 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 a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this term but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on a player gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.