🔗 Share this article

Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' elusive trophy. They desire 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 of the ball, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined defeat last season, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they would appear somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've matured a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that growth was evident, Twente didn't attempt to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain following the opening goal.

However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. A player found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed to their top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the provider deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to her bench to try to change the game shortly later. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and with every passed without a goal, it seemed 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 into the net.

Leveling Penalty

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

A victory eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to recover in future matches before facing familiar foes and title winners.