Sandy Baltimore Penalty Saves The Blues After Dutch Side Threaten Champions League Upset

The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it intensely. Yet, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance of the ball, it was who took the lead, through captain 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, but for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage akin to the male competition.

The two sides met in last season's group stage, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain remarked they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

However, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. A player had room after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of shooting she squared to their leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes having an impact, especially in the final third. A forward should have done better with a chance but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the provider having been offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two starters were replaced, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side would be punished. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season but they have earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and former champions.