Sandy Baltimore Penalty Saves The Blues After Dutch Side Nearly Cause Champions League Shock

Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts far from the ideal start in a competition they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot for the equaliser.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, but for the team which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ reign, 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 each time.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the initial phase now a league phase similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who sent repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, but instead 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 rotations having an impact, especially in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from the spot 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, but the flag went up, the passer having been offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two starters were replaced, including one with a head injury, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the 60-minute point. After regaining possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season yet they've earned points and away from home they extended that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory escaped them, but they have opportunities to bounce back in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.