Baltimore Spot-Kick Saves Chelsea Following Twente Nearly Cause Champions League Upset

Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they aim to dominate.

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

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team which has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss last season, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase now a league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams met in last season's group stage, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

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

Yet, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek had room following a smart one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. 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

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The coach looked to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two starters were replaced, including one with a concussion, for new energy and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead right around the 60-minute point. After regaining possession in attack, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box but a tackle prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and with every missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this term but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and title winners.