LA PAZ, Feb 8 (SW) - Bolívar and Vélez Sarsfield opened up their campaigns with wins on Tuesday night as the 2006 Copa Libertadores began in earnest with the group stage.

Group 2
Bolívar - Estudiantes 1-0

A late goal by Limber Gutiérrez lifted Bolivian outfit Bolívar to victory over Argentina's Estudiantes from La Plata.

Estudiantes constantly threatened to be the first team on the scoreboard, but never could break through. That allowed Gutiérrez to become the hero in the 83rd minutes as he lobbed a shot beyond Estudiantes goalkeeper Alberto Herrera for the winner.

Group 5
Rocha - Universitario 0-0

The opportunities in Maldonado, Uruguay were few and far between as the hosts Rocha were held to a stalemate by Peruvian side Universitario.

Arnaldo Alonso had a chance for Universitario from distance early in the second half that was tipped away by Rocha goalkeeper Alvaro García, and Rocha nearly took the lead with about 20 minutes to go when Marcelo Segales hit a header that crashed against the crossbar.

Liga Dep. Universitaria - Vélez Sarsfield 1-3

The high altitude of Quito did not seem to phase Argentina's Vélez as they ran out winners in Ecuador.

Leandro Somoza fired the visitors into the lead on 36 minutes with a deflected effort before Patricio Urrutia headed an equalizer for LDU ten minutes into the second half.

Vélez, though, took over from there and silenced the 30,000 people in attendance when Leandro Gracián retook the lead for the Argentines.

Rolando Zarate added a third for Vélez with six minutes to play to add insurance for the visitors as they ran out winners.