Yoshinori Muto - on loan from Newcastle United - and Esteban Burgos, from the penalty spot, scored five minutes apart early in the second half to give Eibar the away victory.

Muto's 49th-minute opener means he is the first Japanese player to score in the top flights of Spain, England (Newcastle) and Germany (Mainz).

Eibar moved to 12th place, while Betis dropped to 15th after a third defeat in a row.

"We are at our best when we are pressing teams and winning the ball back high up the pitch and that is what we did in this game," victorious Eibar coach Jose Luis Mendilibar said.

Betis have been outscored 17-5 in their past six league games, with their only win against promoted Elche.

It could have been worse for Betis but Joel Robles saved a penalty from Sergi Enrich after Marc Bartra had brought down Takashi Inui.

"We have to reflect on this and think seriously about how we can turn it around," Betis midfielder Andres Guardado said.

Pellegrini has been trying to rebuild his team without Spain midfielder Sergio Canales, who injured a tendon two weeks ago with the national side and is expected to be out until next year.

Eibar have lost only one of their past seven games.

Their latest win at Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville came despite playing without defender Paulo Oliveira and forward Quique Gonzalez because of injuries, and without striker Kike Garcia because of a suspension.

Australian Associated Press