Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They crave it deeply. Yet, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente far from the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to dominate.
Despite their dominance in possession, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.
Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak
Every trophy is precious, yet for the team which has consistently won it all, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.
Squad Rotation Proves Costly
The manager showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey in a new era – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage 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. Van Ginkel stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.
Twente's Maturity Evident
On home turf that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who launched wave after wave toward the goal.
Twente's players gather around their captain after her opening goal.
However, the hosts created the top chance of the half. A player had room following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by a defender.
Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the rotations taking a toll, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.
Second Half Drama
After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider deemed in an illegal position.
The coach looked to the substitutes in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters were replaced, including one with a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.
Missed Chances
The home side created another golden chance to take the lead just before the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box but a tackle prevented the goal.
The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.
Late Equalizer
The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting performances this term but they have secured results and away from home they continued that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.
A victory escaped them, but they have opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.
