Sandy Baltimore Spot-Kick Spares Chelsea After Dutch Side Threaten WCL Upset

The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it deeply. However, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey in a new era – the group stage now a league phase similar to the male competition.

The two sides met in last season's group stage, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player had room following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a new signing found the net, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The coach looked to the substitutes in an attempt to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two starters made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting performances this season but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one sooner when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and former champions.