🔗 Share this article Baltimore Spot-Kick Saves The Blues Following Twente Nearly Cause Champions League Upset The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. Yet, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate versus the hosts not at all the ideal start in a competition they aim to dominate. Despite their control of the ball, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores. Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment Every trophy holds value, yet for the team which has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion. Squad Rotation Proves Costly The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they started their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage similar to the male competition. These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues handing out a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can fix our past mistakes,” she said. Twente's Maturity Evident At their stadium that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who sent wave after wave toward the goal. Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her first strike. Yet, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. Leonie Vliek had room after a neat one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed to their leading striker who was denied by a defender. There was energy but a lack of cohesion, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. A forward should have done better with a chance but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it. Second Half Drama After halftime, a new signing found the net, slotting home a low cross, but the flag went up, the provider deemed offside. The manager turned to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters were replaced, including one with a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star. Wasted Opportunities The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal. The hosts' chances were limited and as each missed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper. Leveling Penalty Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this season but they have earned points and away from home they continued that trend. A foul on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game. A winner eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches ahead of meeting old rivals and title winners.