Chelsea Women Secure Draw in Champions League Opener as Baltimore's Penalty Equalizes Against Twente

Chelsea Women’s ambitious start to the Women’s Champions League campaign was met with a mixed result as they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Twente in Enschede. Despite making seven changes to the team that drew with Manchester United just days prior, Sonia Bompastor’s side struggled to convert their dominance into a decisive victory, with the game ultimately ending in a stalemate.

The visitors faced an early scare when Twente nearly took the lead in the 11th minute. Leonie Vliek’s clever interplay with Jill Roord created a scoring chance, but her decision to pass instead of shoot allowed Ellie Carpenter to clear. Chelsea’s own chances were frequent, with Sjoeke Nusken and Maika Hamano failing to capitalize on key opportunities, while Twente’s goalkeeper Diede Lemey made crucial saves to keep her side in the game.

Twente’s breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Danique van Ginkel curled a stunning strike into the top corner, catching Chelsea off guard. However, Baltimore’s 78th-minute penalty, awarded after Guro Reiten was fouled in the box, leveled the score and kept Chelsea’s hopes alive. Bompastor expressed frustration post-match, stating, “It’s not a good result at all. We wanted to start with three points, but we need to show more desire in possession and improve our cohesion.”

Sky Sports analyst Callum Bishop highlighted the challenges of Bompastor’s decision to rotate her squad, noting that the lack of chemistry among the substitutes undermined their performance. “Chelsea’s depth is undeniable, but tonight’s disjointed play revealed the risks of fielding untested combinations,” he wrote. The manager acknowledged the need for growth, emphasizing the importance of unity and tactical precision as they aim for their first Champions League title.

With the WSL season underway and a crucial clash against Tottenham on the horizon, Chelsea must address their struggles quickly. The match served as a stark reminder that even a star-studded lineup requires seamless coordination to succeed at the highest level.