Sam Kerr Returns to Champions League with Chelsea in Draw at Twente Enschede
Sam Kerr has returned to Chelsea’s Champions League campaign, yet the Matildas superstar could not deliver the killer moment as the Blues settled for a 1-1 draw away to Twente Enschede in their group opener. Kerr, who has spent the season building up minutes since a 21-month ACL lay-off, again started from the bench and was injected into the action for 23 minutes in the Netherlands.
Limited Minutes, Big Expectations
Despite Chelsea’s desire to make a sustained challenge in Europe, Kerr’s start on the substitutes’ bench marked a familiar pattern as coach Sonia Bompastor shuffled her forward options. The decision to omit Kerr from the starting XI meant the 32-year-old had to wait for her chance, entering the fray in the 73rd minute as Chelsea chased a winner after a late equaliser from Sandy Baltimore from the spot.
In the two hours Kerr had on the pitch across her latest returns, she has yet to score since coming back from injury. Her only goal since the comeback came in the opening appearance against Aston Villa last month, a reminder that the forward remains in the process of regaining peak sharpness ahead of Chelsea’s big European tests.
So far, Kerr’s European return has not yielded a decisive moment, yet her presence is still pivotal for Chelsea’s forward line. The 18-time continental title winners are banking on Kerr’s experience and finishing ability as they navigate a group that also features a restructured, expanded UEFA Women’s Champions League format.
Openers, Penalties and Positioning
The match in Enschede swung on a moment of misfortune for Chelsea when Twente’s Danique Van Ginkel curled a long-range shot past Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger in the 63rd minute. Chelsea’s response arrived through Baltimore’s clinical spot-kick after Lynn Groenewegen fouled Guro Reiten in the area, restoring parity with 20 minutes remaining.
Kerr’s introduction did little to alter the dynamic as Chelsea pressed to convert pressure into a winner. With two hours of competitive action behind her since the ACL recovery, Kerr looked lively at times, combining with teammates and offering a fresh outlet, but the final touch eluded her on this occasion.
What It Means for Chelsea’s European ambitions
Chelsea manager Bompastor’s decision to rotate is a clear signal that the Blues are balancing domestic commitments with the demands of a demanding European campaign. The six-time WSL champions recognize the value of Kerr’s influence, even when she isn’t finishing chances, as a psychological and technical asset for the squad. Bompastor’s remark after the game underscored a common challenge: creating multiple goal-scoring opportunities in a game where Chelsea dominated possession but failed to convert enough of those chances into goals.
Ellie Carpenter’s full appearance at right-back offered Chelsea a familiar link to Kerr’s forward line, with Carpenter and Kerr potentially forming combinations as the season progresses. Carpenter’s return to European competition marks a significant milestone after leaving Lyon, and her experience could prove critical as Chelsea navigate the Champions League group stage ahead of upcoming fixtures against Paris FC Féminines and London rivals Tottenham in domestic action.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea’s next assignment comes in a double challenge against Tottenham in the Women’s Super League, followed by another Champions League test versus Paris FC Féminines before the international break. The fixture list will test Kerr’s match fitness, the depth of Chelsea’s squad, and their capacity to convert opportunities in Europe. For Kerr, there remains a clear objective: to add the Champions League trophy to her distinguished collection and to help Chelsea reach the later stages of a competition that has long eluded her in her illustrious career.
Bottom line
Sam Kerr’s return to Europe is a reminder of the enduring quality she brings, even if the goals have yet to arrive in this phase of her comeback. Chelsea’s draw at Twente Enschede offers both promise and a reminder that every Champions League night demands clinical finishing and precise execution in the box. The Blues will hope Kerr’s influence translates into decisive goals in the upcoming rounds.
