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

Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' elusive trophy. They desire it deeply. Yet, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to conquer.

Despite their control of the ball, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, but for the squad that has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach showcased her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out costly as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase now a league phase akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've grown a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that growth was evident, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who sent repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side celebrate their captain after her first strike.

Yet, Twente had the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she squared to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but blasted high from close range in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the provider deemed offside.

The manager looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players were replaced, including one with a concussion, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season yet they've secured results and away from home they extended that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.