Baltimore Penalty Spares Chelsea Following Twente Threaten WCL Shock

The Champions League remains the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to conquer.

Despite their dominance in possession, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, but for the team which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage now a league phase similar to the male competition.

The two sides met in last season's opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can fix our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that maturity was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player had room after a neat exchange with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she passed to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before 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.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each missed without scoring, it felt like the home side would be punished. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season but they have earned points and away from home they extended that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, although they might have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and title winners.