Chelsea Extend Champions League Bid Without a decisor in Twente Draw
Sam Kerr returned to Chelsea’s squad in their opening Champions League group game against Twente Enschede, but the Matildas superstar once again had to settle for a substitute role as the Blues rescued a 1-1 draw in the Netherlands. Kerr’s long-awaited comeback from a 21-month ACL lay-off has been punctuated by cameos off the bench, with this latest appearance marking her fifth consecutive appearance as a substitute in competitive matches since her return.
The match at De Grolsch Veste began with Chelsea’s head coach Sonia Bompastor rotating her squad, making seven changes from the previous weekend. Kerr, however, was not handed a starting berth, and the 32-year-old had to wait for her opportunity from the bench. After two hours of football in competitive action since her return, she still hadn’t found the back of the net, her only goal coming in her first comeback outing against Aston Villa last month.
Twente struck first in the 63rd minute through captain Danique Van Ginkel, whose curling shot from the edge of the box found the corner. The Blues responded with a penalty just after the hour mark, converted by Sandy Baltimore following a foul on Guro Reiten, and the game levelled at 1-1. Kerr was introduced in the 73rd minute as Chelsea chased a winner, but despite valiant late pressure, they could not find a decisive goal.
In a competition Kerr openly covets, this marked a continuation of her struggle to recapture the prolific form that defined her career, particularly in the Champions League. Her diligent performances off the bench have shown improvement in fitness and timing, but the goal tally remains conspicuously empty since her dramatic return. Chelsea will hope that Kerr’s presence, even when not starting, adds a dynamic edge as the group phase unfolds, especially with the aim of lifting a major club trophy that has eluded her so far.
Beyond Kerr’s return, Chelsea’s squad enjoyed a productive day in the Netherlands. Kerr’s compatriot Ellie Carpenter, who has also been on the cusp of selection for the Matildas, played a full 90 minutes at right back. This marked her first European appearance since moving from Lyon, a club long synonymous with success in the Women’s Champions League. Carpenter’s performance underscored Chelsea’s breadth of experience and depth as they navigate a compact schedule that includes domestic duties in the Women’s Super League alongside European commitments.
The draw leaves Chelsea with work to do in the group, especially as they prepare for a London derby against Tottenham in the Women’s Super League. The tactical approach under Bompastor will continue to balance the squad’s needs across competitions, with Kerr’s involvement likely to intensify as the campaign progresses. The French coach has insisted that Kerr’s return is a welcome boost for momentum, even if the goals have yet to flow in Europe for the striker who has long been celebrated for her finishing ability and late-game heroics.
What’s Next for Chelsea in Europe and the Matildas’ Oz Tour
Following the Twente match, Chelsea face a back-to-back schedule including a Champions League rematch with Paris FC Féminines before the international break in October. The group stage format of the expanded competition tests depth and adaptability, and Kerr’s ongoing integration remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike. In the meantime, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has virtually confirmed Kerr’s involvement in upcoming friendlies in the UK against Wales and England, offering the Australian star more opportunities to regain rhythm and confidence at the club level before returning to international duty.
For supporters, the message is clear: Kerr’s presence matters beyond the goals she scores. Her movement, leadership, and experience bring a new dimension to Chelsea’s attack, and as she edges closer to peak match fitness, the breakthrough moment in Europe could be just around the corner.
