Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to dominate.
Despite their control in possession, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.
Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have stung each time.
The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their European journey under a new format – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.
These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she said.
At their stadium that growth was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or battle one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.
The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.
However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. A player found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.
Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from close range in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.
After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a low cross, but the flag was raised, the provider having been offside.
The manager looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.
Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player in the box but a tackle denied the chance.
Their opportunities were limited and as each missed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.
The Blues continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting performances this term but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.
A winner eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches ahead of meeting old rivals and title winners.
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