Baltimore Penalty Saves Chelsea Following Twente Threaten WCL Upset

The Champions League remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it deeply. Yet, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the perfect beginning in a competition they hope to dominate.

In spite of their control of the ball, it was who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the squad that has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager showcased the team's strength for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved costly as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides met in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've grown somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side gather around Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes taking a toll, especially in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the passer deemed offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players were replaced, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting displays this season but they have secured results and away from home they extended that trend. A foul on a player gave the visitors a penalty, although they might have had one sooner when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and title winners.