Marc Bartra opened the scoring in the 38th minute before Pablo Fornals doubled Real Betis' advantage shortly after the interval. Adrián Niño pulled one back for Málaga in the 68th minute, but the visitors could not find an equaliser as Pellegrini's team strengthened their position in the upper reaches of the table.
The Betis manager was satisfied with his side's performance but insisted there was no room for complacency despite another important victory.
“We played a very good match until they made it 2-1. The first half was very complete and left me satisfied. In the second half we came out looking for a third goal, but after the 2-1 the team became a little more compact.
“Málaga had more initiative with the ball, but they didn't create any significant opportunities. We defended well, so we must continue playing like this.”
Pellegrini was particularly keen to emphasise that the season remained at an early stage and that his players could not afford to become distracted by their league position.
“This is only beginning and we haven't reached a third of the season. We are happy with the points and the way we are playing, but relaxing would be a mistake. We have to continue. We are not thinking about the table or future achievements.”
The Chilean also praised Troy Parrott's contribution despite the striker still working towards his best form.
“He is trying to improve and I have no doubts that he will recover his fluency because he is a fighter. He gives us a lot going forward.”
Pellegrini also highlighted the improvement of Dani Ceballos, while welcoming Aitor Ruibal's return from injury and explaining that Antony had been managed carefully after reporting physical problems during the week.
For Funes, the defeat represented another painful setback for a Málaga side that has now lost six times this season.
The coach acknowledged that his players were finding the situation difficult but praised their determination to remain competitive against opponents with considerably greater experience and resources.
“They are having a difficult time. It is hard not to be able to give our supporters a reward, especially when 800 of them travelled to Seville. The team did not lose sight of the match.”
Funes believed Málaga improved after a difficult opening, insisting there were encouraging signs despite another defeat.
“Perhaps we have already deserved the reward. When it doesn't arrive, you either experience it with disappointment or think that the next step is the moment when it finally comes.
“We have to fight for results, not wait for them to arrive.”
The Málaga manager believes securing a first victory could transform the atmosphere around the squad and provide the confidence needed to build a better run.
“When they get rid of the weight of that first victory, more will follow. Two consecutive positive results change everything.”
Funes also praised Adrián Niño, whose goal provided Málaga with renewed hope and whose presence has helped improve their attacking threat.
“He is at a great level. We are arriving with less opposition and more quickly. It has been a change, perhaps brought about by Niño's introduction.
“More importantly, we are finding ourselves in situations where he has the opportunity to score.”
The coach admitted that his team had been below their best from set-pieces, but insisted there was little value in dwelling on mistakes.
“Perhaps we haven't been good enough. But regretting it serves no purpose.”
For Betis, the victory was another step forward under Pellegrini. For Málaga, Funes must find a way to turn encouraging passages of play into the points needed to lift his team away from trouble.