Baltimore Spot-Kick Spares Chelsea Following Dutch Side Nearly Cause WCL Shock

Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they hope to dominate.

Despite their control of the ball, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the squad which has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach showcased the team's strength for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four players from the last game on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase replaced by league phase akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides met in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that growth was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain after her opening goal.

However, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. A player found space following a smart exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but fired over from close range in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a new signing found the net, slotting home a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the provider deemed offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, including one with a concussion, for new energy and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and as each missed without a goal, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and former champions.